Good evening. Welcome to the city of Pickering Committee Adjustment
Hearing for August 2026. The hearing is called to order.
My name is Sean Wiley and his chair. I'll be
facilitating the hearing tonight. With me tonight on my fellow
committee members, Vice Chair Oman High Red Eye and members
Denise Rundle, Rick Vinandel and Sakshi Tsujoshi, along with the
support of several members of the City Development Department. First
item on our agenda, as we normally do every month,
our indigenous land acknowledgement. We acknowledge that the city of
Pickering resides on land within the 3D and traditional territories
and the Missaugas of Scuggog Island First Nation. And William's
treaties signatories of the Missauga and Civilwald Nations. Pickering is
also home to many indigenous persons and communities who represent
other diverse, distinct, and autonomous indigenous nations. This acknowledgement reminds
us of our responsibilities to our relationships with the First
Peoples of Canada. And to the ancestral lands on which
we learn, share, work, and live. Our disclosures of interest
in all just my fellow committee members of any disclosures
of interest with respect to tonight's agenda. Cnan, I'll move
on to the next item in the agenda. Is the
adoption of tonight's agenda may have a motion to adopt
tonight's agenda. Mr. Vandandel, thank you in a secondary, Ms.
Sujoshi, and vote of all in favor. We shouldn't do
a dot degenera's carried. Thank you. Next item on our
agenda tonight is the adoption of the draft minutes for
the July 8th, 2026 Committee of Adjustment Hearing. Then I
have a motion to adopt those minutes. Mr. Howard, thank
you in a seconder. This Sujoshi, thank you and a
vote of all in favor. Thank you on that motion
is carried. In the minutes are adopted. We have three
minor variants reports tonight. To review. For my.
Participant list. I've got it here. The first item. Deferred
from the July 8th, 2026 meeting is minor variance application
3826. He catchapoli. Thank you, sir. Just give me a
moment and we'll move right over to you, 498 Rouge
Mount Drive. The African is a request and relief in
the form of four minor variances to obtain a building
permit for the construction of a detached dwelling. I will
note the city development department. Has found the applicant meets
the four tests of planning act. I will say that
now withstanding their review, the applicant is responsible for demonstrating
the justification for our relief SOT and for establishing the
statutory tests are met. Should the committee find merit? There
are two conditions recommended for inclusion. At this time, I'll
also note that the committee members have read the staff
report, including recommendations and conditions, and we'll consider all public
and agency comments and reaching and decisions this evening. So
welcome, sir. I have you on here as well as
an agent. Melissa TenPal. I don't know if you're both
here. But regardless, I'll pass over to whichever one of
you would like to speak tonight, or both of you,
and I'll open it up to you first if then
you'd like to share with the committee in addition to
the report that we have here. Sure, yeah, I'll just
do an opening statement. So good evening, everyone. My name's
Paul Ketchpilly. So my wife and I are the owners
of 498 Rooshmount drive. We're proposing to replace the existing
dwelling on our lot with a new single family home.
And we're requesting relief related to the dwelling depth. The
front yard setback and the side yards up backs. Um,
so our objective has been to design a home that
fits appropriately with the unique dimensions of our lot. Um,
and the established character of Rouge Mount drive. So that's
kind of been our goal from the start. Uh, the
placement of the home was deliberately designed around the existing
neighbourhood. So the werewall is generally aligned to the neighbouring
homes. And the front setback is generally consistent with the
homes immediately beside us. Uh, this creates a cohesive streetscape
rather than introducing a building that projects beyond the established
pattern. Um, we do have a narrow lot, so like
13. 75 metres, but the proposed side yards of 1.
2 and 1. 5 metres. Maintain appropriate separation and unobstructed
access along both sides of the dualing for maintenance. Um,
and there are no proposed side entrances, which reduce the
potential privacy and pedestrian activity impacts. Um, we do appreciate
the city's review and note that the planning staff consider
the variance is minor, desirable for the appropriate development of
the land and consistent with the intent of the official
plan and zoning bylaw. Uh, we've also worked with TRCA,
which has reviewed the proposal with no objection as well.
So we believe that the application satisfies the four tests
under the planning act and will not create undue impacts
on the surrounding properties. Um, so we just want to
thank you for your time and consideration on the request.
Very good, sir. Thank you. Um, and that's the thing
further from your agent. I'll, uh, okay. Thank you. I'll
pass on to committee members for questions. Ms. Randall. Thank
you, uh, Mr. Chair. Just a quick question through you
to the applicant. Um, on our drawings, it indicates an
existing structure to remain in the rear. Can you tell
us what that structure is going to be used for.
Um, it was just a workshop in the back. I
think it was the original owners, um, cottage, uh, for
many, many years ago, uh, we just, we want the,
uh, touching that essentially in the plan, um, when we
talked to TRCA, um, the work that would be required
if we want to demolish it or take it down.
So we just want to leave it as is. Thank
you. Good. Further questions for the applicant. The applicant's agent.
See, no questions. Any comments on this application before I
ask for a motion. Oh, Mr. Harann. Uh, so
Mr. Chair, just a very brief comment, uh, I think
it's worth mentioning for those who might be watching the
YouTube video and not, uh, not aware of all of
the considerations that the committee is looking at. And attachment
in one of our package here does illustrate the nature
of the lawn of the subject land, very narrow lawn
as the applicant has indicated. Uh, an unusual in that
respect in the sense that, uh, it does back up
to the rouge. So given the TRCA comments, uh, I
don't have any objections, uh, on this application. Very good.
Thank you, Mr. Howard. Further comments. Seeing none, unless for
a motion on this application. Ms. Rundle. Thank you, Mr.
Chair regarding minor variance 38 26 at 498 Rouge Mount
drive to permit four variances to allow for construction of
a detached dwelling. I do note, like my colleague mentioned,
um, the context of this subject lands and the size
and shape of it, a very narrow frontage and frat.
Um, I agree with the report that we've also reviewed,
uh, which clearly addressed the four tests of the planning
act. And based on my own site inspection as well,
um, I think it'll be a great addition to the
neighbourhood. So I would recommend that, uh, the application be
approved as simply meeting the four tests of the planning
act and subject to the following conditions. One that the
variance is apply only to the detached dwelling as generally
cited and outlined on the applicant submitted plans that we
have in our report being attachments two, three, and four.
And that a tree inventory preservation plan and arborist report
be submitted to the satisfaction of city staff showing the
preservation of existing mature trees to the greatest extent possible.
And Mr. Chair, I'm also going to recommend a third
condition only because it is requested that the owner shall
obtain a permit from TRCA prior to the issuance of
a building permit. Thank you. Very good. All right. Thank
you, Ms. Rendle. Uh, seconder on that motion. Mr. Hot
Red Eye. Thank you. Uh, and a vote of all
in favor of the motion. Motion is carried. Uh, you
have good application, Mr. Catjopoli, um, and thank you, young.
You did all the homework obviously and interacted with all
the various parties. And so good luck to you with
your new home. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you,
Lee.
Mixt. Application tonight is minor variants 4226. F bracket. 1044
Pisces trail. The applicant is requesting one minor variance to
obtain a building permit for our rear yard deck. I'll
note that the summary findings in the report here indicate
the city development fields, the application meets the four tests
of the planning act. Now we're standing that the applicant
is responsible for demonstrating the justification for the relief sought
and for establishing the statutory for tests are met. Should
the committee find merit. There is one condition recommended by
the city development department. I'll also note that committee members
have read staff report including recommendations and conditions. And we'll
consider all public agency comments and reaching and decision this
evening. From my participant list, I have arrows barricade and
Adam Blodges. Blogas. We have, um, Mr. Blueges, I see
put your hand up there. Um, I hope I got
that name right. And I presume you'll be speaking. I
think you're on mutes or I can see on my
screen here. You can take yourself off mute. There you
go. And I'll give you an opportunity here. If you
would like to address the committee, uh, with any other
information you think would be helpful in addition to the
report we have. Absolutely. Well, first of all, let me
thank you all for your time this evening. I appreciate
you taking time out of your evening to, uh, to
do this. Uh, our application is fairly straightforward. Uh, we
are looking to build a deck. I'm sure you've reviewed
the plans. Um, we've had one objection from a neighbour
that, uh, left some details. And this neighbour lives at
1061 Pisces trail. We are a applying for 1044 Pisces
trail. So this particular individual actually lives across the street
and around the corner. So I feel that some of
his, uh, objections really hold no merit. For example, um,
you know, the comments, uh, that were left were that,
uh, there was going to be a lack of privacy,
um, blocking sunlight, things of that nature. So, um, first
off, the reason for this application is because the bylaw
only allows for a two metre deck to be built
and a two metre deck really is not overly useful.
It's not, uh, even big enough to hold a dining
table or host a family. So just about everybody that
lives in these neighbourhoods is going to have to apply
for a minor variance of some sort. And what we'd
like to do is build a deck. Um, with a
roof, uh, this property faces West, the land behind this
property is forest and bush for as far as you
can see. So the housing or anything behind them, um,
which is one of the reasons that I believe that,
uh, you know, this is, uh, an acceptable request. As
well. One of the things that you may have noticed,
if you looked at the 3D model of the roof,
uh, the covered deck that we're planning on building is
we're going to have privacy screen on both sides. Um,
so that we're actually not impacting the neighbor's privacy at
all. Uh, one could argue that, you know, a smaller
deck still within the two, two metre limit, uh, without
privacy screen would actually be more obstructive as far as
privacy to the neighbours go. Um, got a couple other
notes here. Um, as far as sun and blocking, blocking
natural light, we all love natural light. I'm no different,
uh, but this particular yard again faces West as the
sun goes over the house. There's really no shadows from
a structure that we're planning on building that is going
to impact either, uh, neighbours that are immediately adjacent to
this property. Um, we feel that this application is minor
in nature. Uh, like I said, every house in this
neighbourhood, if they're limited to a two metre, uh, allotment,
that's not a very big deck. And it's not a
very, uh, useful space for your outdoor living space. Um,
and we want to be able to host a family
and this particular homeowner. I'd love to build them a
beautiful deck. Um, that will not only be desirable for
the neighbourhood, but maybe even inspire a few other neighbours.
Um, or people within the subdivision, um, to do something
similar. Uh, and I think that they have every right
to enjoy their backyard. Um, like I said, there's nobody
behind them for miles. It's a lot of trees and
bush and beautiful scenery. The deck that we're building will
have privacy panels, uh, so that neither left or right
neighbour immediately adjacent. We'll lose any privacy. Um, and as
well, I'd like to point out that the, um, the
staff at the planning department was satisfied that the proposed
variance is consistent, uh, with the provincial planning statement. All
right. Thank you, sir. Um, I'll pass on to committee
members for any question to comment. Maybe I'll start
off. I just, uh, one question I'm just looking at
the renderings, which are actually very helpful. Uh, but I'm
curious down below underneath the zero walkout. There is a
basement door. Directly below the mean level door that's in
the rendering. Yeah. Yeah. Directly below. Yes. So the will
it be patio stones there in another deck. Or? Uh,
the planning on doing. I don't, uh, I don't know
what the, the homeowner may do some sort of landscaping
at some point in the future, but there's no real
concrete plans for that at this point. All right. Thank
you. We're also, I might add, I don't know if
you know this or not, but there is no absolutely
no intention to create a closed room of any sort,
uh, on the deck platform level or below it. Good.
Thank you. Ms. Randall. Quick question for you, Mr. Chair.
Uh, what is, I'm trying to see on my drawings.
What's this distance from this new enclosure or this new
porch to the rear lot line. I think it does
it say 1. 8 metres. Is that what I'm seeing
on touchment two? Yes. 1. 8 metres. Oh. Of course.
Thank you. And if you noticed whether any other homes
on Pisces trail have done a second story extension like
this, have you noticed. I don't know that there's really
any homes that have even done a deck yet because
the subdivision is so brand new and these homeowners just
in last fall. Um, I've, I feel like you're going
to get a lot of applications over the next couple
of years. Um, you know, products have all sorts of
shapes and sizes. But at this point I have not
seen any. Um, the last time I was in the
neighbourhood when I posted the sign there a few weeks
ago or a month ago, um, you know, they caught
the houses. They're still under construction. Yeah. For the questions.
No, thank you. Thank you, Ms. Rendal. Uh, Mr. Howard.
Uh, Mr. Chair, through you to city staff, uh, I'm
wondering if there's any at this time anticipated effects of,
uh, a series of similar types of balconies, cumulatively in
terms of, uh, drainage perhaps. Through the chair. Um,
I'm hesitant to comment on drainage because it's not my
area of expertise. I apologise. Um, I guess what I
can say is that every minor variance application, um, and
further down in the process, every building permit application is
reviewed by, um, our engineering services department and matters related
to drainage is absolutely something that they would review. Um,
but in terms of what multiple decks would do in
terms of drainage, I'm sorry. I wouldn't be able to
comment on that. Um, Ms. Roma. Yeah. Ms.
Rundle. Uh, yes. Thank you. Just through you to staff
doing what's the property to the West zone for? Is
it planned for residential. Do we have any indication there.
Of what's coming to the rear. Off the top of
my head. I do not know if you would like
me to quickly look into it. I certainly can if
you guys continue to discuss off the top of my
head. I don't know. I'm sorry. Would you like you're
looking to it? Miseric. If it's quick just to find
out at least what is zoned for? Cause it is
a consideration when we're moving it a metre off the
rear lot line. Just if the other homes are a
subdivision plan there. It's a consideration is all. Thank you.
Yeah. That's good. And I think Mr. Howard, do you
see your hand go up. Uh, just two brief comments.
My understanding is that the, um, that space between the
Pisces trailed to the east and dusk owl circle to
the west is intended for drainage purposes. And that was
the reason for my question. It's to be retained as
I understand it just from my site visit, uh, but
I don't have confirmation in that respect. And then my
second comment would be, uh, in light of the input
that we've had both from city staff and the applicants
agent here, uh, I think it would be important for
us to note as a committee that, um, this application
is very much being assessed on the merits. And if
there is a neighbouring property where there is, perhaps a
second or third or maybe the fifth property that's doing
this, uh, some different type of effect, uh, because of
the previous minor variances, that that's no guarantee that their
application subsequently will be accepted. Thank you, Mr. Haraday. I
mean. Thank you. Uh, the property to the West is
currently zoned agriculture. Thank you. Very good. Okay. Further comments
before I ask for a motion. Right. So none may
have a motion on this application. Uh, Mr.
Venezuel, thank you. Sure. Yeah. Yeah. I'd like to thank
you to the applicant for your comments there. I generally
agree with them. And, um, I'd like to make a
motion to approve application MV42 - 26. That it meets
the four tests of the planning act. Um, and that's
approval. Be subject to, um, that it apply only to
the deck as generally cited in outlined on the applicants
submitted plans shown and attachments two, three, four, and five.
Thank you, Mr. Vanandel. Seconder on this one. Mr. Howard,
I thank you. And, uh, vote of all in favor
of the. Notion. And the motion is carried. Have a
good evening, sir. Your application has been approved. Thank you
to all of you. I really appreciate this. Yeah. Very
good. All right. Have a good night. Thank you, YouTube.
Okay, our next application is minor variance 43 26. A
J and W McFarland. 2210 Wildwood Crescent. Applicant is requesting
and relief in the form of one minor variance to
obtain a building permit for the construction of a Below
grade side entrance. Some refining from the, um, from staff,
uh, are that they reviewed the minor variance application. With
respect to the criteria set in the planning act and
recommend the application to be tabled. To allow the applicant
an opportunity to revise the application and resubmit queried supporting
materials. Do we have any participant this evening? Do we
know. We don't. Okay. I'm going to go ahead then
and us for motion on this application from Community Member.
Is Randall. Thank you Mr. Chair regarding minor bearings 43
26 at 2210 wildwood. Crescent recommend that we adopt the
staff, uh, summary of findings, which recommends that the application
be tabled in order to allow the applicant an opportunity
to revise the application and resubmit the required supporting materials.
As outlined in our report. Thank you. Very good. Thank
you, Ms. Rundhall. Secondar on that one. Mr. Howard, I
thank you. Everybody threw their hand up there. Um, uh,
Somotion or a vote of in favor of this motion.
And the motion to table is carried. Thank you. It's
our last report. And last time in the agenda is
a motion for a German. May I have a motion
for German. So we have one more item. We do.
Yeah another business appointment of Secretary Treasure. Oh, I'm sorry.
Yeah. I'm sorry. I didn't see that. Okay. Do I
pass that off. To staff for that one. Uh, no,
I believe you're able to take it through this one.
Oh, okay. Uh, this time at this point we're going
to have a, uh, appointment of a new secretary treasure.
And do we have a motion then on have a
motion for approval of the new secretary treasure. Ms. Ronda,
if we need a motion, um, uh, I'll recommend that
Amanda Dunn be appointed as Secretary Treasurer for the city
of Pickering. Okay. And I didn't know, did we, do
we need to vote on that one or was it
just a noteing the appointment? The committee appoints it. So
I would take a vote. Okay. Very good. So we
have a motion. Then may have a secondaire on that.
Mr. Howardy, thank you. And a vote of all in
favor of new secretary treasure. Done. Very good. Yeah. No,
she's carried and we have a new secretary treasure. Yeah.
She's very confident. Yes. Very confident. We'll give good service
to the city of Pickering. So we welcome working with
her. Yeah, absolutely. I look forward to. Um, and, uh,
now we can go to the last item of the
agenda. Uh, thank you for sorting me out there. And
the last item of the agenda was a German may
have a motion for a German. Mr. Howard A and
a seconder. Mr. Joshi, thank you and vote of all
in favor to adjourn. It's carried. We are adjourned. Thank
you all very much for a good meeting. We see.